Illustration with the wording ClearCase Command Cheat Sheet.
October 13, 2020

ClearCase Commands Cheatsheet

ClearCase
Version Control

Review a list of frequently used ClearCase commands.

Table of Contents

  1. ClearCase Commands Cheat Sheet
  2. ClearCase Commands vs. Perforce Commands
  3. Need to Replace ClearCase?
  4. Modernize ClearCase Commands and Monolith
Back to top

ClearCase Commands Cheat Sheet

The following table lists ClearCase commands (cleartool or ct) and their closest Perforce Helix Core (p4) equivalents. Before you start with ClearCase commands, review ClearCase basics.

Why Helix Core?

Helix Core has everything you love about ClearCase plus the modern features your team needs to be successful in the future.

SWITCH FROM CLEARCASE

Back to top

ClearCase Commands vs. Perforce Commands

Task in ClearCaseClearCase CommandsHelix Core P4 CommandsNotes
Displays the config spec of a view.ct catcs

p4 client -o

p4 stream -o

 
Creates a permanent new version of an element.ct checkinp4 submitHelix Core submits a set of files as a changelist, not individual files like ClearCase. A changelist can contain a single file.
Creates a modifiable copy of a version.ct checkoutp4 editHelix Core does the ClearCase equivalent of an unreserved checkout by default.
Delivers changes in a source stream to the target stream within or across projects.ct deliverp4 integrateIn Helix Core, p4 integrate is the equivalent for ct merge, ct deliver, and ct rebase.
Compares versions of a text-file element or a directory.ct diffp4 diff
p4 diff2		p4 diff compares a workspace file to a revision in the depot. p4 diff2 compares two depot revisions.
Edits the config spec of a view.ct edcsp4 client or p4 stream 
Searches for versions that require a merge.ct findmergep4 integrate -n 
Displays help on command usage.ct helpp4 help 
Lists VOB-resident objects, elements loaded into a snapshot view, and view-private objects in a directory.ct lsp4 files
p4 have		p4 files displays information about files in the depot without accessing their contents. Use p4 have to list files/revisions that have been synced to the client workspace.
Lists information about UCM activities.ct lsactivityp4 jobsp4 jobs displays a list of jobs, which can also be in a defect tracking system. This command can be used to generate release notes.
Lists event records for VOB database objects.ct lshistoryp4 filelogp4 filelog shows an individual file’s history.
Lists version tree of an element.ct lsvtreeAvailable in P4VTo see the history of a file in Helix Visual Client (P4V), right-click on the file and select Revision Graph (ctrl+shift+R). This is similar to a version tree in ClearCase.
Displays an online reference page.ct manp4 help 
Merges versions of a text-file element or a directory.ct mergep4 integrateIn Helix Core, p4 integrate is the equivalent for ct merge, as well as ct deliver, and ct rebase.
Creates an activity.ct mkactivityp4 job 
Creates a directory element.ct mkdirmkdirPerforce does not version directories. But you can just create one locally on your filesystem.
Creates a file or directory element.ct mkelemp4 add 
Creates and registers a view.ct mkviewp4 client 
Moves or renames an element or VOB link.ct move

p4 integrate +
p4 delete

p4 move

p4 integrate clones a file to a new name/location. Then use p4 delete to remove the source file.
Changes the configuration of a stream.ct rebasep4 integratep4 integrate is the equivalent for ct merge, ct deliver, and ct rebase.
Deletes an activity.ct rmactivityp4 change -d 
Removes the name of an element or VOB symbolic link from a directory version.ct rmnamep4 delete 
Removes an element or symbolic link from a VOB.ct rmelemp4 obliterate 
Removes a view or removes view-related records from a VOB.ct rmviewp4 client -d 
Cancels a checkout of an element.ct uncheckoutp4 revert 
Updates elements in a snapshot view, web view or automatic view.ct updatep4 sync 
Back to top

Need to Replace ClearCase?

Migrating your version control system is daunting, but for many teams, it's necessary — and possible. Learn howelectronic design automation company  Cadence Design Systems successfully switched from ClearCase to Perforce Helix Core. 

 

Back to top

Modernize ClearCase Commands and Monolith

ClearCase used to be on the cutting edge of technology. But today, many teams are making a switch. Because over the years — and ownership changes — ClearCase has not delivered the innovation and improvements that modern development requires. With ClearCase, you end up paying (a lot) for a version control system that is already outdated.

For big teams, working on even bigger projects, Helix Core is the solution to modernize your monolith.

Why Helix Core Beats ClearCase

So why are teams leaving ClearCase for Helix Core?

ClearCase:

  • Lacks a modern architecture.
  • Doesn’t scale.
  • Is expensive to maintain.
  • Offers replication as an add-on — but it’s expensive and time-consuming.

Helix Core:

  • Provides a modern architecture.
  • Scales without limits.
  • Is less costly to maintain.
  • Has built-in replication.

ClearCase cannot handle the complexity and demands modern development teams face today. But Helix Core can. Get started with Helix Core — enterprise version control that unites and accelerates teams.

Modernize With Helix Core

Learn More About ClearCase

Back to top